How To Explain They/Them Pronouns To Parents?

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December 14, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

If you’re like me, then you probably use they/them pronouns. And if you’re also like me, then you might have had some difficulty explaining this to your parents. I’m here to help!

Here are a few tips on how to explain they/them pronouns to your parents: 1. Make sure that your parents understand what pronouns are and why they matter. This is the foundation for everything else.

If they don’t understand why pronouns are important, it will be harder for them to understand why you want to use different ones. 2. Be patient and respectful when explaining things to your parents. They might not understand right away, but that doesn’t mean they never will.

It’s important to remember that this is new information for them, so give them time to process it. 3. Use simple language when explaining things to your parents. They might not be familiar with all the terminology surrounding gender and sexuality, so using simpler terms will help them understand better.

For example, instead of saying “gender-neutral pronoun” you could say “a pronoun that isn’t gendered”. 4. Offer resources for further reading if your parents want to learn more about the topic.

  • Sit down with your parents and explain that you identify as non-binary, meaning you don’t identify as either a boy or a girl
  • Tell them that as part of your gender identity, you use they/them pronouns instead of she/her or he/him pronouns
  • Explain that using they/them pronouns is not a new concept – many famous people throughout history have used they/them pronouns, including Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Lord Byron
  • Reassure your parents that they don’t need to do anything differently – just use your chosen name and pronoun when referring to you
How To Explain They/Them Pronouns To Parents?

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How Do I Tell My Parents About Pronouns?

Hey there! If you’re wondering how to tell your parents about your preferred pronouns, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few tips that might help make the conversation go more smoothly.

1. First, take some time to think about why you want to tell them and what you hope to accomplish by doing so. It can be helpful to have a clear goal in mind before starting the conversation. 2. Once you know why you want to tell them, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to do it.

Will you sit down with them and have a serious discussion? Write them a letter? Or just drop the information into casual conversation?

There’s no right or wrong way to do this – it’s all about what will work best for you and your relationship with your parents. 3. When you’re ready, take the plunge and have that conversation (or write that letter). Be honest and open with them – they deserve nothing less.

And try not to get too upset if their initial reaction isn’t exactly what you were hoping for – remember, they’re probably just trying to process everything and may need some time to adjust. 4. Finally, don’t forget that this is just one step in getting your parents on board with who you are as a person – there’s no need to rush things or put unnecessary pressure on yourself (or them). Just take things one day at a time and enjoy simply being yourself around the people who love you most.

What Does It Mean When Someone Says Their Pronoun is They?

When someone says their pronoun is they, it means that person prefers to be referred to with gender-neutral pronouns like they/them/their instead of gendered pronouns like he/him/his or she/her/hers. This is often done by people who identify as non-binary, which means they don’t identify as exclusively male or female. Non-binary people may use any combination of masculine, feminine and neutral pronouns, depending on their mood or how they want to be perceived at any given moment.

Some non-binary people only use “they” as their pronoun, while others use a mix of “they”, “he” and “she”. There is no one right way to be non-binary, and everyone’s experience is valid and unique.

How Do I Refer to My Non Binary Child?

Assuming you would like tips on how to refer to your non-binary child: It is important to first ask your child what pronouns they would like to be referred by. Once you know what pronouns they prefer, it is important to be consistent in using those pronouns when referring to your child.

This will help your child feel respected and affirmed in their identity. If you are unsure of which pronouns to use, they/them/their are generally considered safe choices. Another way you can support your non-binary child is by using gender neutral language when referring to them.

For example, instead of saying “He’s so cute!” or “She’s such a good kid!”, try saying “They’re so cute!” or “They’re such a good kid!”. This small change can make a big difference in affirming your child’s identity. If you make a mistake and use the wrong pronoun when referring to your child, apologize and correct yourself.

It’s okay to make mistakes – we all do! What’s important is that you are trying your best to support and affirm your child in their identity.

Why Do Kids Refer to Themselves As They?

When children are learning to talk, they typically refer to themselves by using their own name. However, as they get older and start to understand the concept of pronouns, they will often start to use “I” or “me” instead. Some children will even go through a phase where they refer to themselves as “they”, which can be confusing for adults.

There are a few possible explanations for why this happens. One reason may be that the child is trying to distance themselves from their own actions. For example, if a child does something that they know is wrong, they may say “they did it” in order to avoid taking responsibility.

Another possibility is that the child is simply imitating the way adults speak about other people. Adults often refer to others as “he” or “she”, so the child may assume that this is how they should refer to themselves as well. Whatever the reason, it’s important not to correct a child who is using “they” instead of “I”.

This is because it’s developmentally appropriate and eventually they will start using first-person pronouns correctly on their own. If you’re concerned about your child’s pronoun usage, you can always ask their pediatrician or speech therapist for advice.

They/Them Pronouns – How do I remember to use them?

How to Explain They/Them Pronouns to Someone

If you know someone who uses they/them pronouns, you might be wondering how to explain it to someone else. It’s actually pretty simple! Here’s a quick guide:

First of all, it’s important to remember that not everyone uses the same pronouns. So don’t assume that just because someone uses they/them pronouns, they also use he/him or she/her pronouns. It’s always best to ask which pronouns someone uses.

If someone tells you they use they/them pronouns, the best way to respond is simply by using those pronouns when referring to them. For example, if your friend introduces themselves as “My name is Sarah and I use they/them pronouns,” you would then refer to them as “they” or “them.” It’s really that easy!

You might also want to explain what thesepronouns mean for people who are unfamiliar with them. They can be used when referring to a person who doesn’t identify as male or female, or when a person’s gender identity is unknown or non-binary. Basically, anyone can use them!

If you’re still not sure how to explain they/thempronouns, there are plenty of resources online that can help. Just do a quick search and you’ll find tons of articles, blog posts, and even videos about this topic.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to explain they/them pronouns to parents, especially if they are not familiar with the concept. Here are a few tips: – First, explain what pronouns are and why they are important.

– Then, give some examples of how someone might use they/them pronouns. – Finally, assure them that you will still love and accept them no matter what pronoun they use.

About Author (Marjorie R. Rogers)

The inspiring mum of 6 who dedicates her time to supporting others. While battling with her own demons she continues to be the voice for others unable to speak out. Mental illness almost destroyed her, yet here she is fighting back and teaching you all the things she has learned along the way. Get Started To Read …